THE FIRST BUILDINGS ON THE CONTINENT


An elevated beach ridge four metres above sea level was selected for the two huts for accomodation and stores. The surface was excavated to a depth of 60 centimetres for the foundations and the two huts of Baltic pine in numbered sections and of interlocking boards pinned with steel rods were erected within a few days. On the windward side both roof lines were extended to ground level by means of a wooden frame and then covered with wood, canvas and seal skins. Wire hawsers were then passed over the roof, weighted down with bags of coal and boulders and tied to ships anchors embedded in the permafrost.

The interior of the 'living hut' consisted of two small rooms either side of an entrance passage. One was used for instrument storage and as a photographic dark room, while the other, initially set aside by Borchgrevink for an office, was later used by Evans for taxidermy. These rooms were lined with wool and fur and were entered by small vertically sliding trap doors above the floor. The floor and walls of the main living area was of two thicknesses and was insulated with papier mache, while the ceiling which was similarly insulated, was enclosed to provide a loft. Here clothing and bottled fruits were stored. The only insulation between the outer cladding and ceiling of the loft was provided by a 20 centimetre space. Lighting in the living area was provided by a double-glazed window protected by a shutter, and an oil lamp from the saloon of the Southern Cross. A small window high on the northern wall provided light for the loft. About the walls, ten bunks were fitted and enclosed to give the occupants some privacy. A large L-shaped table and a stove on castors dominated the floor area.

Less attention was paid to the 'stores hut' which was a single un-insulated layer of timber and for all-weather access, each hut was linked by a roof and walls Which included a door in the east side. Nearby an 'outhouse' was constructed from yards, spars and canvas and to provide shelter for the magnetic observers, an open tent taken by the Finns was erected. Bernacchi lined the tent with paper and a hole was scrapped in the gravel provided a fire place where seal blubber could be burnt. The meteorological screen was attached to a box filled with gravel about 180 m from the huts. Scattered about the site were dog kennels made from packing cases, but on 20 March a severe gale blew most of these and a whale boat, out to sea. According to Bernacchi the boat was returned to the beach as firewood. Only the bow remained.

By mid March, the penguins had left or were slaughtered for dog meat. Colbeck noted the beach was littered with their remains which were attracted by skuas over a hundred of which were shot by Hanson in one day. In late April with the sea ice firm, a series of sledging trips was made in Robertson Bay. The party then settled down for winter.

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